Haunted Happenings Grand Parade this Thursday!

This Thursday October 2nd, the Salem Chamber of Commerce will host the 19th Annual Haunted Happenings Grand Parade. This year’s parade theme will be “Fantasy.” This time honored kick off of the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, music and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and our local business owners. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community. The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless, based on the many fantasy themed movies and books, we’re expecting to see a lot of characters from Frozen, Harry Potter, Narnia, Spiderman as well as Ghostbusters (30 year anniversary and re-release), Avatar and the Hunger Games.

The Haunted Happenings Grand Parade is made possible by support from many businesses in and around Salem. Sponsors of this year’s parade include Community Credit Union, Magika, Lotus Gifts, Salem Five, Eastern Bank, Footprint Power, Peabody Essex Museum, People’s United Bank, North Shore Medical Center, Salem State University, Salem Witch Museum, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Salem, St. Jean’s Credit Union, and Century Bank.

The parade will start at 6:30pm, rain or shine, from Shetland Properties on Congress Street turns left onto Derby Street, right onto Central Street, left onto Front Street, right onto Washington Street, right onto the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall and finishes at the Salem Common where there will be a party with DJ Doug to entertain the crowd.

For questions about the parade please call the Salem Chamber of Commerce at 978-744-0004.

19th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade – October 2, 2014

The Salem Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to participate in the 19th Annual Salem Chamber of Commerce Haunted Happenings Grand Parade on Thursday, October 2, 2014. This year’s event will feature the theme “Fantasy”. This time honored kick off of the Halloween season is full of color, pageantry, musi c and the enthusiasm of thousands of Salem’s students from kindergarten to college and our local business owners. Their participation is what makes this a highly successful, cherished event for our community. The choice of costumes for this year’s parade is endless, based on the many fantasy themed movies and books, we’re expecting to see a lot of characters from Frozen, Harry Potter, Narnia, Spiderman as well as Ghostbusters (30 year anniversary and re-release), Avatar and the Hunger Games.

To participate in the parade please click here to fill out the entry form.

Salem Screams for Ice Cream!

Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl is back! It’s time to sample some of the best ice cream in the North Shore from some of the many ice cream shops the area has to offer. Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl event will be held on Tuesday, August 5 at the Salem Common from 6:00-7:30 p.m., rain or shine. The event is a change to taste some classic flavors, as well as try a few new ones, from the area’s premier ice cream shops.

A few of the businesses serving samples at the event include Maria’s Sweet Somethings, Salem Screamery, Cherry Farm Creamery, Captain Dusty’s, E.W. Hobbs, and Mix 104.1 Ice Cream Truck. Salem’s Ice Scream Bowl is a fun event for both children and adults to cool down from the heat and enjoy tasty ice cream. There will be free face painting for kids and music by DJ Doug.

The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets are purchased on site on the day of the event. A spoon and napkin will be supplied with the purchase of a ticket. Proceeds will go towards Salem Main Streets, a non-profit organization with the goal of revitalizing downtown Salem vibrant year-round retail, dining, and cultural destination. Salem Main Streets organizes the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, and other events in downtown Salem.

The Ice Scream Bowl is coordinated in partnership between Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as part of Salem Heritage Days, a 10 day event to celebrate the people of Salem.

For more information, log onto www.salemmainstreets.org

Salem Chamber Supports Mayor’s Proposal

The Salem Chamber supports Mayor Driscoll’s initiative to open up the hiring process for Salem’s next police chief

The Salem Chamber believes the proposed open process with local control is a strong improvement over the current civil system, while still allowing for the best local candidates to have a fair shot at the position. Salem has had great Chiefs of Police in the past (including the current chief, Paul Tucker), and the Salem PD has built-up a great reputation over the years. We think Salem deserves the best candidates for the position to be considered, which includes both in-house and external candidates. And Salem deserves to have local control, with input from the City Council, Police Unions, the Community-at-large, as well as the Mayor. Please consider supporting the mayor’s proposal. Please click here for more information.

Rinus Oosthoek, Executive Director

Judging for Bridge Street Neck 5th Annual Neighborhood Pride Contest Next Week!

Bridge Street Neck 5th Annual Neighborhood Pride Contest
Sponsored by the Salem Chamber of Commerce
This Year’s Theme is Summer Landscaping & Flowers

Show your pride, help beautify the neighborhood, win some recognition….and have a chance to win some prizes!

Winners Will be Chosen for both Residential & Commercial Properties
Properties will be judged on their view from the street, including all side streets. To nominate your own or someone else’s property, fill out the ENTRY FORM and mail or bring to:
Coffee Time Bake Shop
96 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970
Deadline for entries is July 20, 2014. Judging will take place the week of July 31st, 2014.

Rules:
Judges will be recruited from last year’s winners and are not eligible to win this year.
Only what is visible from a public street or sidewalk is considered.
The contest area is defined by Figure 1 “Planning Area” of the Salem Bridge Street Neck Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

A new initiative this year is aimed at having all “Tree Squares” adopted and maintained. What do we mean by that? We think our roadside tree plantings need a little love and care, and we hope you’ll be able to provide it! It basically means keeping the weeds out of the tree square you adopt, but if you want to do more and add mulch or plant flowers, that would be great!

Thank you to our sponsors: Aqua Hair Salon, Once & Again Antiques, Cosgrove Liquors, Spinale Automotive, Armstrong Field Real Estate, Magic Muffler, Yogasakti, Coffee Time Bake Shop, Northey Street House Bed and Breakfast, Bill & Bob’s, Damata’s Pizza, R.P. McLaughlin Plumbing, It’s Raining Pets, Nestor Finance, The Black Lobster, Brake & Clutch, Luna’s Pet Depot, Meridian Construction, Stacia’s Place, Bamboozle Skate Shop, Hayden Safe & lock, Amazing Pizza, Clipper Ship Inn, Salon 44, and the 99 Restaurant.

And finally, the whole neighborhood is invited to attend the annual Bridge Street Neck community celebration, which will take place on Monday, August 4th, 6 – 7.30pm, at the Black Lobster at Stromberg’s Cove. The event is part of Salem Heritage days, and we hope you’ll enjoy the live band and free appetizers provided by all Bridge Street Neck restaurants and bakeries!

Salem Businesses Shine in BONS Competition

Congratulations to all the Salem Chamber of Commerce members and Salem businesses for winning Best of North Shore Awards! The Best of North Shore (BONS) annual competition recognizes local businesses as well as awarding favorite businesses of the North Shore community with Readers’ Choice awards. Without a doubt, these Salem businesses, many of whom are Salem Chamber of Commerce members deserve these awards!

DINE
A&J King Artisan Bakers – Best Bakery (BONS & Readers’ Choice)
Scratch Kitchen – Best BBQ
The Ugly Mug Diner – Best Breakfast
Red’s Sandwich Shop – Best Breakfast (Readers’ Choice)
A&B Salem Burgers + Beer – Best Burger (Runner-up)
Passage to India – Best Indian (Readers’ Choice)
62 Restaurant & Wine Bar – Best Italian
Brodie’s Seaport – Best Lobster Roll (Taster’s Choice)
Longboards Café & Bar – Best Lobster Roll (Taster’s Choice)
Grapevine Mediterranean Kitchen & Wine Bar – Best Mediterranean
King’s Famous Roast Beef & Seafood – Best Roast Beef
Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall – Best Seafood, Prepared
Opus – Best Sushi
Life Alive Urban Oasis & Organic Cafe – Vegetarian (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

DRINK
Tavern in the Square – Best Sports Bar (Readers’ Choice)

INDULGE
A&J King Artisan Bakers – Bake Shop, Pastry (Readers’ Choice)
Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie – Best Confectionary
Harbor Sweets – Best Confectionary (Readers’ Choice)
The Cookie Monstah (featured at Salem Farmers’ Market) – Best Cookies
62 Restaurant & Wine Bar– Best Dessert
Coffee Time Bake Shop – Best Dessert (Readers’ Choice)

RENEW
Paxton – Barber Shop, New School
North Shore Boot Camp Company – Best Boot Camp (and great pic of Brandi Dion!)
Hawthorne Hotel – Best Hotel (Readers’ Choice)
Rouge Cosmetics – Best Makeup Application (BONS & Readers’ Choice)
Yoga Sakti – Best Yoga Studio (Readers’ Choice)

PLAY
Witch City 5K – Best Community Walk/Run (Readers’ Choice)
Montserrat Gallery – Best Art Gallery (Readers’ Choice)
Kernwood Country Club – Best Country Club (Honorable Mention)
Boston Ballet School North Shore – Best Dance Studio
Salem Willows Park – Best Family Hangout, Indoor (Readers’ Choice)
Haunted Happenings – Best Festival, Fall (Readers’ Choice)
Salem Film Fest – Best Festival, Spring
Salem’s So Sweet – Best Festival, Winter (BONS & Readers’ Choice)
Studio Discovery, Peabody Essex Museum – Kids’ Program (Readers’ Choice)
North Shore Music Theatre – Best Live Theatre Venue (Readers’ Choice)
CinemaSalem – Best Movie Theater (BONS & Readers’ Choice)
Peabody Essex Museum – Best Museum (BONS & Readers’ Choice), Best Tourist Attraction (Readers’ Choice)

SHOP
Petite Étoile– Best Baby Clothing
Modern Millie – Best Consignment (Readers’ Choice)
Roost – Best Gifts
Rouge Cosmetics – Best Makeup Selection
Mighty Aphrodite – Best Maternity Clothing (BONS & Readers’ Choice)
The Barking Cat Pet Emporium – Best Pet Boutique (Readers’ Choice)
Mud Puddle Toys – Best Toy Shop (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

NEST
Tri-City Sales – Best Kitchen Appliances (Readers’ Choice)
Designer Bath & Salem Plumbing Supply – Best Kitchen Design (Readers’ Choice – A Close Second)
Landry & Arcari Oriental Rugs & Carpeting – Best Rugs (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

LIVE
Admiral Concierge – Best Concierge (Readers’ Choice)
Green Clean – Best Cleaning Service (BONS & Readers’ Choice)

For a full list of winners please visit www.nshoremag.com/Best-of-Northshore

Ribbon Cuttings Galore!

This past week the Salem Chamber of Commerce hosted three ribbon cuttings around town!

The Ugly Mug Diner

Smack dab in the middle of downtown Salem sits a sassy and irreverent diner – you’ll be right at home the moment you walk in the door. From the owners of The Lobster Shanty comes a foodie haven with creative dishes, classics, and fresh ingredients. www.uglymugdiner.com 

Big Sal’s Superior Barbershop

Big Sal’s Superior Barbershop recently relocated within Salem moving from Loring Ave to the Museum Place Mall right in Downtown Salem. Superior Barbershop features two master barbers who specialize in men’s and children’s grooming. The signature at Superior Barbershop is the hot steam shave that leaves customers refreshed and more importantly looking great with a clean shave. www.facebook.com/BigSalsSuperior

Sinclair Development Solutions

Sinclair Development Solutions (SDS) offers premier real estate permitting consulting services for individuals or companies in the real estate industry. Their vast knowledge of permitting procedures and long standing industry relationships give their clients the assurance the need in an uncertain market. www.sinclairdev.com

Salem Chamber invites all interested members to attend the MOHEGAN SUN VENDOR FORUM

Lean more about local business and supplier opportunities with the proposed Mohegan Sun resort casino in Revere. Hear directly from current vendors and network with members of the Mohegan Sun team.

When: Thursday, April 17 (Afternoon Session: 12 – 2pm / Evening Session: 6-8pm)
Where: Boston Marriott Peabody, 8A centennial Drive, Peabody, MA 01960
RSVP to: T. 617-710-3368, or visit www.friendsofmohegansun.com/events

Some facts:
Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will be a $1.3 billion resort casino with two hotels and worldclass dining, shopping and entertainment amenities on 42 of Suffolk Downs’ 52 acres in Revere. The resort casino will feature 5,000 gaming positions, a total of 500 hotel rooms, 170,000 square feet of floor space and a 10,000 square foot spa. “Our relationships with our surrounding communities is very important, and we appreciate the hard work and thoughtful approach of each of these city leaders to reach these agreements,” said Chip Tuttle, Chief Operating Officer of Suffolk Downs. “Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will not only preserve the future of Thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs, but it will create new economic and tourism opportunities for the entire region.” Mohegan Sun and Suffolk Downs share a long-standing commitment to working with local businesses, community leaders and cultural and tourist organizations. Currently, Mohegan Sun spends nearly $500 million annually on goods and services from local vendors near its Connecticut and Pennsylvania facilities. Mohegan Sun Massachusetts has made a commitment to spend at least 50 million annually within a 15 mile radius of the casino.

Salem Chamber announces nominees for the “Celebrate Salem Awards”

2012 New Business of the Year – Jean Louis Pasta Shop

The Salem Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the success of local businesses at the Celebrate Salem Awards Dinner on April 23rd at the Peabody Essex Museum. The program of the evening will include the presentation of the “Celebrate Salem Awards”. Awards are handed out annually in the following categories: Businesswoman of the Year, Businessman of the Year, New Business of the Year, Excellence in Retail, Community Service, and Long Term Achievement. The Salem Chamber today released the list of 36 nominees.

Businesswoman of the Year is a Chamber member who has demonstrated excellence in business practices throughout the year and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to Salem. Nominated for 2013 Businesswoman of the Year: Sandra Heaphy (Kensington-Stobart Gallery), Jackie King (A & J King Artisan Bakers), Karen Scalia (Salem Food Tours), Ann Sousa (Body & Soul Massage), Patricia Maguire Meservey (Salem State University), and Diane Wolf (The Lobster Shanty).

Businessman of the Year is a Chamber member who has demonstrated excellence in business practices throughout the year and has demonstrated a sincere commitment to Salem. Nominated for 2013 Businessman of the Year: David Bowie (The Picklepot), William Cole (Mahi Mahi Cruises and Charters), Andy King (A & J King Artisan Bakers), Vini Kurti (Adriatic Restaurant & Bar), Robert Liani, Jr. (Coffee Time Bake Shop), and Patrick Schultz (Howling Wolf Taqueria).

The New Business of the Year Award is given to the best new business that opened in 2013. Nominated for 2013 New Business of the Year: Firenze Trattoria, Joe’s Fresh Fish Prints & Tomo’s Tackle Shop, The Naumkeag Ordinary, Petite Etoile Children’s Boutique, Red Line Café, and Turner’s Seafood at Lyceum Hall.

The Excellence in Retail Award showcases the outstanding achievements of Salem retailers and will be awarded to the retailer that applies superior knowledge, creativity and industry know-how to develop innovative strategies, and contributes to the growth of the Salem retail sector. Nominated for 2013 Excellence in Retail Award: Avalanche Company Store, Milk and Honey Green Grocer, Mud Puddle Toys, Staples, Treasures Over Time, and Trolley Depot.

The Community Service Award is awarded to a member or organization who has an outstanding record of community service and volunteer participation. Nominated for 2013 Community Service Award: B&S Fitness Programs, Northeast Animal Shelter, North Shore Community Development Coalition, Phoenix School, John Andrews (Social Palates), and Scott Grover (Tinti, Quinn, Grover & Frey, P.C.).

The Long-Term Achievement Award is given to a business that has achieved 10 or more years of success in the community. Nominated for 2013 Long-Term Achievement Award: DeIulis Brothers Construction, Deschamps Printing Co., F. W. Webb Company, Goldberg Properties, Murphy Funeral Home, and Witch Dungeon Museum.

The Celebrate Salem Award Dinner is the Salem Chamber’s signature event, and tickets for the event are for sale at the Salem Chamber, 265 Essex Street. For more information on the dinner and the nominees, please visit www.salem-chamber.org.

Regional Economic Impacts of a Resort Casino at Suffolk Downs

The Salem Chamber has been an early and vocal supporter of the casino proposal at Suffolk Downs for a host of reasons, including the $45 million in transportation and infrastructure improvements that benefit commuters, airport traffic and residents alike.

Tomorrow morning I am speaking at a forum in Revere City Hall on the Regional Economic Impacts of a Resort Casino at Suffolk Downs. I’ve been asked to focus on the linkage with the North Shore Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Other panelists include Tony Sheridan, President & – CEO Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and Gary Luderitz, Vice President, Operations and Development for the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority.

Mohegan Sun already signed a neighboring community agreement with Salem and 6 other North Shore communities and is committed to buy locally and be a regional player. Local businesses, hotels, attractions and restaurants will have access to Mohegan’s industry leading player’s club points program.

I see the cross marketing of the casino with hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions and cultural institutions as beneficial for all involved. Travelers and casino visitors will want to get the true New England experience, and the North Shore is ready to give them that. We’ll tell everyone to just follow the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway to get that unique experience everyone is looking for!

Rinus Oosthoek
Executive Director
rinus@salem-chamber.org